Open Communication, Transparency Key for Newcomer

Ten candidates are vying for five seats on the Republican-controlled Hatboro-Horsham School Board.

Patch will post profiles on each candidate running for school board in alphabetical order by last name. 

THERESA BROWN, 68, a Horsham resident of 34 years, holds a Masters degree in  in education and undergraduate degree in political science. 

She served as president of the Department of Pupil Services for the state of Pennsylvania. Since retiring, Brown has served as a mentor for a new counselor in the Palisades School District.

What best qualifies you for a term on the Hatboro-Horsham School Board?

My experience in education spans over 40 years (administration, teacher, counselor). I have organized staff and student activities, promoted programs for child development, facilitated parent classes and served on several long-range planning and curriculum committees. I created a program which eventually was acknowledged by the state of Pennsylvania. 

What do you see as the big issues facing the district?

I would like to see Hatboro-Horsham on the list of 100 best schools in the country. The school board needs to have open communication with parents, students, teachers, administration and residents, as well as a transparent mode of operation.

If elected, how would you work to handle those issues?

I'll evaluate existing systems and help establish a higher quality curriculum so students will be more competitive. I'll keep abreast of education issues, and to the extent possible, attend all board meetings. I'll devote sufficient time and study to proposed actions, will consider alternative solutions and encourage ideas from all. 

The appearance of nepotism seems to have been at play in at least one recent district hiring. How would you work to find and consider the best candidates?

Decisions must be made in the best interest of the system and not special groups or individuals. There should be fair and equitable terms and conditions for hiring, including posting positions, paper screening and interviewing candidates. Stakeholders should be part of the process. There should be a set hiring policy. 

Should the district enact anti-nepotism legislation? Why or why not?

The very definition of nepotism is, "favoritism shown in the advancement of relatives, especially by appointing them to offices for reasons other than personal worth." This should never occur. I am in favor of a policy that would eliminate nepotism as defined by the Webster encyclopedic dictionary.

What’s your vision for the new Hallowell Elementary School?

Each teacher should sit down with their administrator and the contractor to share opinions about classroom setup. They would know best the details of setting up a successful classroom. Each grade level has different needs. Upon the completing of the school there needs to be a program for the community.  

Should the district relocate students from under-utilized schools to the new school, or maintain the same number of elementary schools?

I need more data in order to make a decision. I need to talk to administrators, staff, community people and existing board members. I need to look at cost.  What are the conditions of the schools that you wish to maintain? I have many questions. I need to do homework. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

I want everyone to understand that I am not a politician. I am an educator. My primary interest as a board member will be to focus on best interest of students.  I am also aware that I need to be fiscally responsible within the constraints of the current financial climate.